WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE INCREASE IN PER-MILE TOWING FEE

  

Washington County Commissioners approved an increase in the cost of towing per mile at their meeting today (Tuesday).

The court agreed to add $1 to the mileage fee for the 2022 tow contract for light, medium and heavy towing categories.  The increase is due to higher fuel costs.

Commissioner Don Koester said the added cost is “not out of line”, saying everyone knows how much fuel has gone up and that he believes gas prices will continue to climb.

With the increase, customers paying for wrecker services will now pay $5 per mile for small towing up to 10,000 pounds, $6 per mile for medium towing between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds, and $8 per mile for heavy towing above 25,000 pounds.

In other action, the court rejected awarding a request for proposals (RFPs) for security cameras at the Washington County Jail.  Chief Deputy Eric Hensley explained that he was sick last week and could not review any of the bids submitted, adding that there are several other bidders waiting to receive their System for Award Management (SAM) numbers from the federal government in order to bid on the project.

Hensley said when comparing the current amount of bids received versus the amount that could come in after SAM numbers are approved, he felt a better decision could be made on which vendor to select by going out for RFPs again and choosing from a broader field.

Also at today’s meeting, the court:

• Tabled a proposal for professional engineering services related to the Texas Community Development Block Grant project located along Old Plantation Road. County Engineer Wesley Stolz was unable to attend the meeting to provide information on the project.
• Approved the 2022-23 Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefit renewal notice and benefit confirmation.
• Approved a permit application for the 2022 Chappell Hill 4^th of July Parade.
• Heard and approved reports from the sheriff’s office, E-911, EMS, Veterans Service Officer and Washington County Extension Office.